Abstract
Introduction Agrochemicals, also known as pesticides, are widely used in agriculture and in public
health. They are organic and inorganic chemical substances with a high level of toxicity
not only for the environment, but also for human health.
Objective To verify findings on labyrinthine assessment in endemic disease control agents,
and to recommend the inclusion of the vestibular exam in the set of tests for pesticide-exposed
populations.
Methods Descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional study with a sample comprising 15 endemic
disease control agents, males, mean age of 51.6 years old (standard deviation [SD] = 5.9).
All of the participants were submitted to anamnesis, otorhinolaryngological screening,
and vestibular assessment.
Results Regarding the most reported complaints, dizziness (73.4%), headache (60%), and tingling
in the extremities (53.4%) were observed. The findings of the vestibular exams were
normal in 53.3%, while 46.7% showed peripheral vestibular disorder, of which 26.7%
were of deficitary type, and 20% of the irritative type.
Conclusions: Alteration in the vestibular system was verified in 50% of the workers, with a greater
prevalence in the caloric testing. Several disorders related to pesticides intoxication
are scientifically known. Actions promoting knowledge and qualification of this population
for the proper handling of chemicals are suggested, in addition to the elaboration
and inclusion of protocols of vestibular assessment in hearing health programs for
the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders.
Keywords
occupational risks - dizziness - pesticides - pesticide exposure - organophosphate
insecticides - toxicity
